Support our Japan Tsunami Appeal and win a share of £22,000 of camera gear

Help the What Digital Camera/Amateur photographer Japanese Tsunami appeal. Over u00a322,000 worth of prizes to be won! Cameras, lenses, printers, accessories and a Charlie Waite picture in our phone-in appeal

The images in the news of the terrible damage and suffering inflicted on the Japanese people by the earthquake and tsunami have been shocking, terrifying and heartbreaking. As photographers we feel this tragedy particularly keenly because ours is a hobby, and an industry, that owes an overwhelming debt to Japanese ingenuity and technology. Almost all of the cameras we use today were either designed or built in Japan. Many of them, or the components inside them, were built in factories in the Sendai region, which has borne the brunt of the disaster. Some of the people involved in producing your camera are likely to have been victims in some way.

Thanks to the generosity of photographic distributors in the UK What Digital Camera and Amateur Photographer have collected equipment worth over £22,000 for a phone-in give away to raise money to help. We have a number of products and kits that you can win by calling or texting the premium rate numbers shown below. Each call or text will cost you around £1.55 (depending on your provider), and while calls will raise at least £1.10 texts may only raise 40p – due to differing operator charges. So please phone-in if you can.

Call the number shown next to the packages you would like to win, and leave your name and contact details as well as the answer to the simple questions (a,b or c). Winners will be chosen at random after the closing date. Remember, the more calls you make and the more numbers you call the better the chance you have of winning.

For more information about how the photo industry has been directly affected read the AP news update

Sigma SD15 with 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM (x2)

The SD15 is
Sigma’s flagship DSLR camera, featuring a Foveon X3 sensor that delivers
14-million-pixel images, a 3in LCD screen and a 77-area metering
system. In this kit the camera comes with an 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
zoom lens with Sigma’s own optical stabilisation system built in. We have two of these SD15 kits, worth a total of £2,400.

The Pentax K-r is one of the best small DSLRs on the market, and we’ve got a stylish white one up for grabs with the18-55mm lens. The kit is worth £530, but we’re also throwing in a top-quality Vanguard Alta 263 tripod, fitted with a GH100 ball head (worth £190) and Black Rapid RS-4 camera strap (£60). Total Value: £780

What colour is the Pentax camera in this prize package?
A) Orange
B) White
C) Purple
Call 09041 600268, or text PHOTO3 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Olympus Pen E-P2 with 17mm pancake lens

Olympus’s diminutive, retro Pen E-P2 is one of the most stylish new cameras in recent years. It produces great results, too. There’s a whole range of lenses available, but here it’s combined with the 17mm pancake lens for a truly compact package. Total value: £750

The touch-screen GF2 is one of the most desirable Compact System Cameras on the market, especially when combined with the 14mm pancake lens (worth £630), which makes it truly pocketable. We’ve paired it with a limited-edition signed print by landscape photography legend Charlie Waite, worth £350.

The photographer donating part of this Panasonic and Limited edition print package is called Charlie….
A) Chaplin
B) Sheen
C) Waite
Call 09041 600270, or text PHOTO5 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sony’s
NEX-5 set the Compact System Camera world alight when it was launched
last year with its small form and stunning images, and it’s offered with
the Sony 16mm pancake lens (value £550). We’ve also paired the NEX-5
with one of Sony’s flagship VAIO laptops, the VPC F13Z0E, worth £1300.
Total Value: £1,850

What style of lens comes with this Sony prize package?
A) Pancake
B) Telephoto
C) Wide Angle
Call 09041 600267, or text PHOTO2 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM (x2)

This
is an amazing lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photography
and for photographing distant subjects. The OS system helps produces
sharp images even when the lens is used at 500mm, and the HSM makes it
easier for your camera’s AF system to track moving objects. Weighing
only 1,780g, it is surprisingly light and compact.

We have two of these lenses, worth a total of £2,000. Please specify the fit you will need: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma or Sony.

Q: How much does this lens weigh?
A. 500g
B. 1,780g
C. 3,000g
Call 09041 600281, or text PHOTO16 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Epson Stylus Photo R2880 A3 printer

The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 produces fantastic gallery-quality A3+ prints at a resolution up to 5760 x 1140 dpi. It features UltraChrome K3+ inks with Vivid Magenta for a wider colour spectrum and more vivid results, true black and white output from a 3 black-ink system, and an archival prin life of up to 85 years for colour prints and 200 years for b&w. It can also print directly onto printable CDs and DVDs. The R2880 is perfect for pro quality colour or mono images and is worth £570.

A) A6 +
B) A4+
C) A3 +
Call 09041 600271, or text PHOTO6 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Adobe Photoshop CS5 and onOne Perfect Photo Suite 5.5

Adobe Photoshop is the industry-standard photo-editing software, and this latest version is packed with more tools than ever. It’s worth £640, but we’ve added the excellent Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 (£375) suite of plug-ins from onOne Software. With borders, frames, masking, resizing and other functions, it’s a perfect accompaniment to Photoshop. Total value £1,015.

What is the combined value both the Adobe and OnOne Prize package
A) £100
B) £10
C) £1015
Call 09041 600272, or text PHOTO7 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma DP1x (x2)

This
extraordinary compact camera uses an imaging sensor that is
approximately 7-12x larger than that used by most other compacts, which
allows greater sensitivity to light, especially in dim conditions. The
DP1x outputs 14-million-pixel images and is capable of saving files in
raw and JPEG formats. Its f/4 aperture lens has a focal length that
equates to 28mm in full-frame terms.
We have two Sigma DP1x cameras, worth a total of £1,240.

Q: What is the maximum aperture of the Sigma DP1x’s lens?
A. f/1.9
B. f/4
C. f/8
Call 09041 600276. or text PHOTO11 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Corel software bundle

Along with Corel’s powerful PaintShop Photo Pro X3 Ultimate (£79) image-editing program, you’ll also be able to edit video with Corel Video Studio Pro 4 (£79), paint with Corel Painter 11 (£250), as well has having a whole creative design suite in the shape of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 worth £475. This bumper package of Corel software has a combined value of £880, and we’ve got two bundles to win! Kindly donated by Corel UK.

What number is the Corel Painter software?
A) 2000
B) 23
C) 11
Call 09041 600273, or text PHOTO8 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Steadicam Merlin plus Westcott Photo/Video Green Screen Kit

The Steadicam Merlin (£750) is ideal for budding videographers using video or DSLR cameras, offering an incredibly smooth and stable handheld shooting platform for results just like you see in the movies.

If you want to place your subject on a different background, either for stills or video, then Westcott’s Chroma Key Green background kit (£290) is the answer – simply shoot your subject in front of this, then extract the background on your PC and replace with another image or video. Combined value £1,040.

How many times zoom is this Tamron lens
A) X2
B) X4
C) X15
Call 09041 600284, or text PHOTO19 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Fujifilm FinePix HS10

The FinePix HS10 is an advanced bridge camera with DSLR styling and an amazing built-in 30x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24-720mm. This makes it perfect for filling the frame with distant subjects, whether birds in the garden or the kids on sports day. Value: £390

What kind of camera is the Fujifilm Finepix
A) A bridge camera
B) A video camera
C) A disposable camera
Call 09041 600287, or text PHOTO22 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM (x2)

This
is an all-in-one zoom lens that will cover almost all your photographic
needs. Designed for cameras with an APS-C-sized imaging sensor, this
mega-zoom offers a stabilisation system to help avoid camera shake when
the longer focal lengths are in use. The HSM system produces fast and
quiet focusing, while multi-coatings and special glasses ensure
exceptional image quality. We have two of these lenses, worth a total of £1100.
Please specify the fit you will need: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma or Sony.

Q: What size sensor is this lens designed for?
A. Four Thirds
B. APS-C
C. Full frame
Call 09041 600280, or text PHOTO15 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Nikon P7000

The Nikon Coolpix P7000 is an advanced digital compact camera offering many of the functions, performance and ergonomic benefits of an SLR but in a compact body. It features a 7.1x zoom lens (28-200mm equivalent), a 3in LCD screen, optical viewfinder and raw shooting. Worth £490.

What colour is this Canon IXUS 310 HS
A) White
B) Indigo
C) Gold
Call 09041 600285, or text PHOTO20 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM (x2)

This
is a highly desirable lens that makes an ideal focal length for
portraiture, complemented by a very wide maximum aperture that allows
wonderful defocused backgrounds. Super Multi-Layer coatings and a
Special Low Dispersion glass element ensure excellent image quality,
while the built-in Hyper Sonic Motor provides speedy and quiet autofocus
operation. We have two of these lenses, worth a total of £,1660.

Please specify the fit you will need: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma or Sony.

Q: What does HSM stand for?
A. High speed motor
B. hyper Sonic motor
C. Hot stuff motor
Call 09041 600279, or text PHOTO14 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Casio Exilim EX-H20G

The impressive Casio Exilim EX-H20G is equipped with a unique Hybrid GPS system which combines GPS positioning with a motion sensor, so it can track a user’s position against map data stored in the camera’s internal memory. It also boasts a 10x optical zoom and HD movie mode. Value: £300.

The Casio EX H20 G is equipped with a Hybrid…
A) GPS system
B) Sat Nav system
C) Radio
Call 09041 600286, or text PHOTO21 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Ricoh CX2

Despite being small enough to fit in your pocket, the CX2 sports a 10x zoom lens, plus a high resolution LCD screen. Its CMOS sensor and renowned Ricoh image processing ensure high-quality images, making it a great choice for the discerning snapper. We’ve added a £50 photo-processing voucher from Warehouse Express to make an irresistible bundle. Value £250.

The Ricoh CX2 and Warehouse Express £50 photo processing voucher are combined value of
A) £2.50
B) £25
C) £250
Call 09041 600283, or text PHOTO18 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma DP2s (x2)

With
a lightweight, compact, high-quality body, the Sigma DP2s uses a larger
than usual imaging sensor to produce low-noise, 14-million-pixel
photographs. An advanced camera, it can save images in raw and JPEG
formats, and features an f/2.8 lens with a focal length equivalent to
41mm.
We have two Sigma DP2s cameras, worth a total of £1,240.

Q: What is the pixel output of the Sigma DP2s?
A. 4 million pixels
B. 14 million pixels
C. 24 million pixels
Call 09041 600277, or text PHOTO12 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

Sigma EF 610 DG Super flashgun (x2)

This
powerful (GN 61m @ ISO 100) hotshoe flash unit is compatible with
Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony TTL DSLR systems. Extremely
flexible, it features wireless control, an autozoom bounce-and-twist
head, high-speed sync mode and fast recycling times. It can be used on
the camera, or off-camera on its own or as part of a group of wirelessly
controlled units.
We have two Sigma EF 610 DG Super flash units, worth a total of £520.

Q: What is the guide number of the Sigma EF 610?
A. 30m
B. 61m
C. 80m
Call 09041 600278, or text PHOTO13 followed by a space and then A, B, or C to 86611

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

*Lines are open from 18 March until midnight on 17 April 2011. Entrants must be over 18. SP: Telecom Express 0870 8804869. Calls or texts will cost around £1.55 each (depending on your provider). At least £1.10 from every call entry and at least 43p from every text entry will be donated to The Red Cross Japan Tsunami fund. The British Red Cross Society, registered charity 220949 (England/Wales); SC037738 (Scotland). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from IPC Media publications. If you don’t want these, please end your text with NO INFO. Terms and conditions: for normal IPC competition rules, see www.whatdigitalcamera.com and www.amateurphotographer.co.uk. The prizes will be despatched no later than 31 July 2011. This competition is being promoted concurrently on and in www.whatdigitalcamera.com, Amateur Photographer magazine issues dated 2, 9 and 16 April 2011, www.amateurphotographer.co.uk and www.trustedreviews.com. The competitions can only be entered by phone or text. The winners will be randomly selected from 22 single pools of all successful entrants for each of the 22 competitions from the publications promoting this competition once it has closed. The competition is open from 18 March to 17 April 2011.

Competition details form part of these terms and conditions.

Entry is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man [and Republic of Ireland – delete where applicable] except employees (and their families) of IPC Media, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.

The winner(s) must be aged 18 or over.

Proof of identity and age may be required.

Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification.

All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition.

Entries made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void.

No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit.

The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.

The winner(s) is(are) responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prizes, including any necessary travel documents, passports and visas.

Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers’ terms and conditions.

The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition.

In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

The winner(s) agree(s) to the use of their name, photograph and disclosure of county of residence and will co-operate with any other reasonable requests by IPC relating to any post-winning publicity.

Unless stated otherwise all postal entries must be made on the relevant coupon or form printed in the magazine.

The winner(s) will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date stated within the promotional material.

Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner(s). If the winner(s) cannot be contacted, or are unable to comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random.

Confirmation of the prize will also be made in writing to the winner(s).

Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.

Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision.

Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time.

The provider of the prize is specified within the promotional material.

In the event of a discrepancy between these standard terms and conditions and the details in the promotional material, the details of the promotional material shall prevail.

A list of winners will be available by writing into the publisher of the magazine or website at the Promoter’s address no earlier than six weeks (unless otherwise stated) after the close of the competition. Only the surname and county of the winners will be disclosed.

Even if you don’t win anything your money is going for a great cause, helping another human being, we could be in the same position, no one knows when an earth quake will hit them.

Peter A Richards

Well done the photo companies_pg_Inspire.it supports a worthy cause and let’s face it,you could end up profiting from your donation/support,so dig deep and help your fellow man.

Karin

I am happy to help people in need.

Alan G Gair.

God – Just send a bloody text & don’t be so miserable. People are homeless and being nuked. Personally it’s a brilliant fund raiser. Well done.

Graham Austin

Bob, just phone it’s easy.

Ad

Re. Bob: it clearly says that if you phone, at least Â£1.10 goes to the cause. It must be the mobile companies skimming of the cream as usual.

Bob

I was going to enter, but 43p out of a Â£1.55 text!? Are you kidding? And then because of my goodwill I’ll get spam. Really!?

Derek Branton

WOW, what a competition. Well done to all the donating companies.

tilly22

great idea, very kind of the companies donating, and for yourselves setting it up.

Simon Norton

Good job you people!

Nigel Atherton

Sorry for the confusion. In the past when we have done these its been an auction, but this time round we made a last minute decision to try this phone line approach, thinking it might rise more money. However, this change of plan was not communicated in time to the team (well, Matt) who do the newsletter, so it went out as an auction. I hpe this won’t put you off entering though.

Alan Clifford

The time available to give the telephone number was not enough. I was cut off before I completed it.

Sharon

I think this is a brilliant idea to raise money for Japan!! Only problem is when I called to place my second bid, after 3 seconds (or so) the call went dead so I will have been charged but I had no chance to give my details .. that wasn’t so good!

Mr R Webb

Hi, No offence intended here but you state that this is an auction ( Auction = highest bid gets the item) In the text you then state “Winners will be chosen at random “. So is it an auction or a competition? it cannot be both!
In saying that I would like to also say well done to everyone at the magazines and to the givers of the prizes.